Aug28

what is a hero?

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President Richard M. Nixon honors John McCain at the State Department

after McCain was released by the North Vietnamese in 1973

after more than five years as a prisoner of war.

(U.S. Navy)

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RIP Senator John McCain

a maverick in the truest sense of the word

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“I’ve tried to serve our country honorably. I’ve made mistakes, but I hope my love for America will be weighed favorably against them. I’ve often observed that I am the luckiest person on Earth. I feel that way even now, as I prepare for the end of my life. I’ve loved my life, all of it. I’ve had experiences, adventures, friendships, enough for 10 satisfying lives, and I am so thankful. Like most people, I have regrets. But I would not trade a day of my life in good or bad times for the best day of anybody else’s.”

-John McCain – from a letter he left to be read upon his death

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“a hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.” bob dylan

 

 

 

 

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image credit: washington post

32 responses »

  16. Missed opportunity. About some time ago (circa 2006), a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to accompany him on a long plane ride from New England to PHX. He was taking a friend home and wanted some company on the ride back. Unfortunately, I had plans that weekend and had to decline. I was in the middle of a divorce and had a bunch of crap to do (one was I was convinced I could get my wife to change her mind, but that’s another story). Anyway, it turned out my friend’s friend was John McCain. When I asked him why he didn’t tell me who his friend was he said he wanted to surprise me. I asked him what he was like. Although a politician, he said he was as regular a guy as me. He told great stories. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tell and hear a good joke. The bluer the better. He could curse like a sailor (because he was one) and had a deep respect for anyone who served our country. After he passed I thought about that missed opportunity and wonder what stories I would have heard and questions I would have asked on that 5 hour plane ride. The lesson I learned from that missed opportunity was to take advantage of any adventures in life. You never know who you will meet along the way. Oh, and you can’t drive a car by looking in the rear view mirror.

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